NEW BEDFORD — Roger Williams University students had one word to describe New Bedford High School on Monday.

"Huge."

Lynne LaBerge, who coordinates the college and career readiness center at NBHS, said a lot of the volunteers commented on the size of the school.

"It's a great opportunity to introduce students to our school and to create a new relationship with RWU," she said.

Students wearing yellow T-shirts scrubbed paint splatters off baseboards and windows Monday morning. They cleaned up the corridors and said they planned to help teachers move books and furniture in the afternoon. "I think it's really humbling and it's nice to help out," said Julia Palardy, 18, from Salem, N.H.

A group of 17 freshmen from Roger William University helped teachers before students return to the high school next week.

"It's pretty cool to help the community. It's nice to know we are making a difference," said Nicholas Barbara, 18, of New Rochelle, N.Y.

Roger Williams sent 1,400 volunteers out to more than 57 different nonprofits in the region as part of its 10th Annual Community Connections Day, according to a press release. "It's become a tradition to introduce new students to community service," said Mike Lynch, assistant director of student programs and leadership at RWU.

"Our goal is to get New Bedford High ready and prepared for the upcoming school year," said Kim Sanders, an RWU senior with Community Connections.

The help comes after volunteers painted corridors this weekend and is greatly appreciated, said LaBerge.

"Doesn't it look awesome?" said Headmaster Kathleen Dawson. "It just goes to show that even outside New Bedford, communities believe in what we are trying to do and in Superintendent Durkin's turnaround plans for an institutional lift."